Better Preach

DescriptionI want to hear from you! Would you be willing to record a voice-text (90 sec or less) and send it to me? If so, here are the four questions I'd like you to answer!1) Name2) Ministry / Role (if applicable)3) How has the podcast supported you as a teacher/preacher? 4) What was one of your favorite episodes and why? or Favorite takeaway from of the episodes?If interested - go to this link: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreach and send me an email through the CONTACT FORM on the middle of the page and use the subject line: VOICE TEXT. I'll send you the details from there! Again, don't forget I am shooting to have these by end of day, Friday June 6th, 2025. And while I can't wait to hear your comments I will be selecting a handful to share on the show for episode 100!Please reach out to with any questions!LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

Description  Are you Like me? I always watch TV shows and movies at home with captions on. It's one of the reasons I don't want to go to the movie theater. Because I can't do the captions. I don't know if I'm getting old or what it is, but it's just so much better with the captions .I can follow every little thing that's said, and I feel like I'm understanding what's going on much better, because I can hear it and I can read it. That's kind of the idea that I'm tapping into today. There's this psychological theory called the “dual coding theory. It says that we store information in two ways, words and images.And if you put them together, there's a much better likelihood that you'll remember the idea. Words connected to images.Most people are running away from slides. I think you have an opportunity to make incredible slides that can really reinforce the big ideas. From your talkIt's really helped me to communicate ideas better using slides sparingly, but strategically. So I wanna share three principles that really help guide me in that during this episode: 1) Think Images not Text2) Think Phrases not Paragraphs3) Build it LastToolsFor designing slides: canva.comFor finding great free images: unsplash.comCaravaggio's “The Call of Matthew” - https://www.caravaggio.org/the-calling-of-saint-matthew.jsp#google_vignetteLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

Description I don't know if you know this, but Father Mike Schmitz is a huge fan of Superman, but in my conversation today, you get the really strong impression that he's got a lot more in common with the everyday man, just you and me and the kinds of things that we struggle with. And he shared just humbly and honestly about some of his speaking missteps and struggles and the questions that he has around preaching.It gives us this beautiful window into the man, the disciple that's, you know, behind the crazy number of views on YouTube and downloads on podcast apps. And by doing so, he gives us each permission to be real with each other and with the Lord, and to name those struggles in our spiritual life.That we might normally, you know, keep under wraps, but when we share it, it really does shed light on our own lives and the lives that we're in community with. This was a fantastic conversation. I'm so excited for you to hear it. ++Father Mike Schmitz is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, as well as the chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He has preached to thousands locally and nationally, and is the host of the widely popular Podcasts Bible in a year, and the Catechism in a year, produced by Ascension. Father Mike also offers weekly homilies on iTunes, hallow, and bulldog catholic.org, and weekly videos viewed by millions on YouTube through Ascension presents.Connect with Fr. Mike and learn more about his mission in campus ministry at University of Minnesota-Duluth here: www.bulldogcatholic.orgLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionOne of my favorite questions to ask anyone that I'm interviewing on this podcast is first or worst, I want to hear a story about their first talk or their worst talk. And this is probably the one shot. This is the one shot that I've got on. Better preach to comment on a Pope's first homily, like as a pope, not his very first homily.But anyway, Pope Leo, Pope Leo the 14th, Hauss Popham, we've got a Pope from America. He comes out swinging and I'm so excited to share a little bit about. Uh, this homily that he preached, uh, to the Cardinals.I decided to do this episode for two reasons. One, I didn't wanna miss out on discussing the first Pope born in the us. Lots of ink and airways have been spilled and spoken into about this historic moment in the church, and I wanted to share a few of my thoughts, but I wanted to make sure that we kind of aimed those thoughts, uh, in a quintessentially better preach direction, which is to say, you know, let's talk shop about the Pope's preaching.Link to text of Homily: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263981/full-text-pope-leo-xiv-s-homily-at-mass-with-the-cardinal-electors-in-the-sistine-chapelLink to video of Homily: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYhfqwFaHTcLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionAlliteration is like a specialized tool that can unlock understanding and retention for the people who are listening to your talks. And those are two things that we want to make sure our talks are always aiming at.Are people picking up? We're laying down and are they walking away with something that can change their lives? Alliteration, I think, can help us do both of those things.And today I'm gonna cover the when, the why, and the how of using alliteration in your talks.LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionIn the wake of the news this week of Pope Francis' death, I immediately wondered what we could do here at Better Preach to honor his legacy, teaching and example - particularly around Preaching. For a while I wanted to do a dive into his first major letter to the Church, the Joy of the Gospel, from 2013, and look closely at his lengthy section in that document on homiletics. And thanks to Fr. Craig Vasek, who joined me way back in the beginning on episode 2 of Better Preach, he agreed to join me again at the last minute here to look back at Pope Francis' longest magisterial teaching on Preaching. Father Craig Vasek currently serves as pastor of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Ordained in 2010 as a priest of the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, Fr. Vasek is a graduate of the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City, having obtained a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in 2011. Father Vasek has worked extensively with the Missionaries of Charity of Saint Teresa of Calcutta in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. He has produced works on the topics of Scripture and the Spiritual Life, and served as Specialist for the National Eucharist Revival with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.Check out Fr. Vasek's homilies here on: Podbean: https://stbernards.podbean.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mwAvHPBm7c0pjGYUZxWEdLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionEvery once in a while you come across a new perspective, fresh eyes, on an age old challenge > and it breaks through lots of baggage and pre-conceived notions. And this podcast in the grand sense is about addressing the age old challenge of reaching everyday Catholics in the pews with the Gospel. Kristin Bird helped me see this perennial challenge with fresh eyes. And she conceives of this challenge and talks about it in a way that is so helpful and accessible. Stick around..this is a good one folks!Kristin Bird is a wife, mother, disciple of Jesus, and an on fire Catholic. She serves as the Executive Director of Burning Hearts Disciples and is a popular speaker and consultant with a long history of helping Catholic parishes and schools facilitate deeper discipleship and conversion. Kristin and her husband Tony live in Oshkosh, WI with their three teenage children. When she gets out from behind the computer screen, you can usually find her quoting movies with her husband, laughing at bad puns with her children or with her nose in a book.Connect with Kristin's apostolate “Burning Hearts Disciples” at www.burningheartsdisciples.orgLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

Description In this episode I discuss the reasons why we are afraid of the PAUSE in our talks and three reasons why your next talk needs the PAUSE. LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionAs you listen to this episode, I think it will be abundantly clear that you're witnessing me in real time have something of an “aha” moment. I went in thinking one way: that to teach and preach about same sex attraction to all God's people, including those who experience it, it was really about a technique or a method or a kind of a tweak in style of communication.And that's not at all where we ended up, by the end of the episode, even though I kept yanking the conversation in that direction. The secret is embedded in the title, but I want you to go on this journey yourself too. A huge thanks to my guest, Kim Zember, who preached to me all throughout the episode. I think I finally got it at the end.You'll have to stick around and find out. Kim Zember speaks internationally about the love and freedom she has found from leaving a homosexual lifestyle. She loves people and strives to be totally transparent, to help others know they're safe to do the same. When Kim is not at home in Dallas, Texas, she's most likely found in her base for her ministry in Ethiopia, surrounded by 400 plus children.Check out Kim's website here: www.boldlybeloved.com LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

Description The most precious real estate of any talk, I would say is that first 90 seconds where the audience is trying to figure out: Are they gonna stay tuned or are they gonna tune out? Today I wanna share with you what not to do, and hopefully what to do in those first 90 seconds to make sure that you make the most of that precious real estate.LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionWelcome back folks, Season 4 of Better Preach is here, and we kick things off with a really special episode, one that was recorded and filmed live (Check out YouTube) at SEEK 2025 in Salt Lake City. You are going to love this conversation, Fr. John didn't blink at any of the questions I shared - it was an incredible conversation to be a part of. And the big takeaway for me was how well knit together is the gift of preaching and a daily personal prayer life.Father John Burns is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He studied business at the University of Notre Dame but then realized a deeper call to give his whole life to God. He was ordained in 2010, and in 2019 he completed a doctorate in moral theology on the topic of healing through forgiveness. He is founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, an apostolate dedicated to the renewal of the Church through the renewal of the priesthood and women's religious life.Check out “Friends of the Bridegroom” here: https://renewreligious.orgAnd connect with Fr. John on Facebook and Instagram @fatherjohnburnsLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionToday I'm excited to share with you, three things that I've been asked to do at SEEK 25 in Salt Lake City. And I'm looking today both to bring you up to speed on some of those things, because it relates to what we talk about here on Better Preach, but I'm also looking for your input and your prayer. Are you down for one or both of those things?Secondly, this is the last episode of Season 3. We're kind of at a good stopping point and I have some really exciting Interviews coming up that have already been recorded actually that will release in Season 4. If you'd like to give INPUT on questions for Fr. John Burns and/or let me know you'll PRAY for SEEK, please reach out here : https://www.ryanohara.org/betterpreach. (The contact form is in the middle of the page as you scroll down!)LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionBy the end of this episode, you'll have a simple way to get good feedback from Catholic leaders who hire you to speak and or anyone else that you'd like to receive feedback from.As an example, here's a link to my feedback form: ryanohara.org/feedbackLink to PDF Overview of EpisodeHere's a link to the PDF Overview of this Episode “How to Get Good Feedback, Easily”, which includes a sample email template you can adapt for your purposes, in asking others you trust (or who have hired you to speak) for feedback. LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionMany talks in Catholic settings. inspire. But do they transform? Do they have a life changing impact on the people who are listening to them? It's true that not every time you listen to a Catholic talk, it's gonna lead, you know, to life transformation. But what if None of the talks that you listen to lead to any change in your life.Something's missing. Today I want to talk about this, this all important step of making our talks actionable, something that the people who are listening to them can act upon and thus see some change and transformation in their life.This is the fourth in a 4 Part Series on “The Four Pillars of Great Talks”. The other three that have been covered in the podcast are:1) Make it Clear”, episode 77, “Simple + Visual = Memorable”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=10006696464212) “Make it Compelling”, episode 59, “How to Have Something to Say”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=10006337992733) “Make it Applicable” episode 83, “You Better Know Your Audience”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=1000674655542Also, here's the link to Michael Gormley's episode, number 56, “Teaching to Change Lives”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=1000631420942Link to PDF Overview of EpisodeHere's a link to the PDF Overview of this Episode “Are Your Talks Actionable?”LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionI've got a great episode today with my trusty, occasional cohost, Connor Flanagan, and we talk about a “seven day spiritual prep plan” that you can do ahead of the SEEK conference or ahead of any conference or retreat that you're getting ready to go into.So seven days of different spiritual activities before the conference starts so that your conference experience, the spiritual moment in your life. can really, kind of be maximized so as to make a transformation and a change in your life after the conference. So the work we're putting in now is really for our future selves.So that's what we're diving into today.Here's a link to the PDF Overview of the “Seven Day Spiritual Prep Plan for SEEK”And this episode is, is also being released on the Seek podcast. So please check that out.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seek-podcast/id1598918591LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionYou may not realize it, but the truth is, inside of you are an unlimited number of great stories to tell. For some people, a rare few actually, this is self-evident - stories just seem to flow out as easily as the next breath. For most, though, it's a slog - we either keep coming back to the same stories over and over OR we try to come up with new ones, but just can't seem to recall anything worth sharing. This is a pain point for people giving talks on a regular basis - BECAUSE stories can often make or break the talks we give. And today, I brought in two expert storytellers, Chris Kostelc and Kory LaCroix. Each have served in ministry at the Parish level for the last 15 years. Legends really, around here in the Twin Cities Catholic world. And they started a podcast over a year ago called “STORYDRAM” - telling stories to lead others to THE story of what God has done for us in Christ. Link to Storydram Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-storydram/id1688617049LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionWe've got a hot one here folks! So many people are asking the question nowadays “How do I get into Catholic speaking?” or “How do I become a Catholic speaker?” and so often the line from Jeff Goldblum's character in Jurassic Park comes to mind in response. He famously says to the owner of Jurassic Park - "your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should”And that's where my conversation with Marcel LeJeune goes right at the question of whether or not you OUGHT to pursue a career as a Catholic Speaker. Marcel LeJeune is the President and Founder of Catholic Missionary Disciples.As a Catholic evangelist, international speaker, and award-winning author, Marcel loves to share his greatest passion - helping others come to know the love of Jesus and how to share that love with others.Previously Marcel served as the Associate Director of Campus Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Center at Texas A&M University for 11 years, and before that he was the Director of Campus Ministry at St. Elizabeth's University Parish at Texas Tech University. He holds a Master of Theological Studies, specializing in Pastoral Theology.The most important part of his life, and his vocation, is being a husband and father. Marcel and his wife, Kristy, have five children. Check out “Catholic Missionary Disciples” here: https://catholicmissionarydisciples.com/And his article: “Why You Probably Don't Want to Be a Catholic Speaker” LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionWhen you're handed a microphone in front of a group of people, I'm guessing you have a plan for what you're going to say.But I don't think we always plan on preparing for what will be heard.In this episode Ryan continues his four part series on “Four Pillars of Great Talk”. Today's episode is on the third pillar, “Make it Applicable” on knowing your audience. The other two that have been covered in the podcast are:“Make it Compelling”, episode 59, “How to Have Something to Say”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=1000633799273and “Make it Clear”, episode 77, “Simple + Visual = Memorable”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-preach/id1619852636?i=1000669646421LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionIt turns out that hip-hop and preaching have a lot more in common than one might think. In fact, at the core of both of them is an incredible (and surprising) overlap. My guest today, Oscar Rivera, taught me so much about the beauty, authenticity, and creativity of hip-hop culture and how, in him, (and you too) these same gifts need to shine through our ministry of preaching and teaching in Catholic settings. Stick around. This is an unforgettable conversation. Oscar Rivera Jr. (a.k.a. “Two Ten”) lives in Fall River, Massachusetts, with his wife. He serves as the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Fall River. He grew up in the inner city of Waterbury, Connecticut, where his method of avoiding “the hood's” promises was God and hip-hop. For over a decade, he has been an international speaker and performer. Oscar's life is devoted to the new evangelization, and his upbeat urban approach has made his message entertaining and easy to understand. Our faith is not boring, and neither is Oscar.Connect online at Oscar's Websitehttps://oscartwoten.com/Listen and Subscribe to his New Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ave-spotlight/id1525458086LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionShould've seen this one coming, but didn't. From discussing “why do we sing?” to how to break down invisible barriers with audiences - that all leads to “owning the hell out of talks.” In this fantastically unique conversation Abe Gross shares his unique perspective on teaching and preaching from the perspective of a super gifted worship leader (and speaker too!). Abe Gross is the Music Director for Saint Paul's Outreach. After serving for 10 years as a Missionary and Leader in SPO, he is now building a team of worship leaders to serve the Church and SPO ministry, locally and nationally. A graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, Abe and his wife Lizzie live in South Saint Paul, MN with their four beautiful children. Connect on Instagram @abegross_musichttps://www.instagram.com/abegross_music/Listen to his Music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/39Jyznb6CXmjQG3ddCbFgeLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionYou want a surefire way to look like a prideful unprofessional punk as a speaker: BLOW THROUGH THE ALLOTTED TIME GIVEN. :) That'll do it, for sure! In this episode Ryan discusses "why this happens", "why it matters", and "what we can do about it." LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionIn Dostoevsky's novel, the Idiot, the character Prince Myshkin declares “Beauty will save the world”, This truth and goodness behind this compelling statement has animated such prominent Catholic theologians as Cardinal Hans urs von Balthasar, Bishop Robert Barron, and many others in our day. And if can be so bold “beauty” might just save our talks too. And in my conversation today with Jimmy Mitchell we not only consider the ways in which this may be true in our preparation AND delivery of talks, but also the unique way beauty transforms us and invites us to be all that God has created us to be. BELIEVING DEEPLY IN the power of beauty to evangelize culture, Jimmy Mitchell's gifts of storytelling and piano-playing have brought him to every corner of the world. On top of being the founder of Love Good, he's the director of campus ministry at Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL, which has repeatedly made national news for its growing culture of conversion.Between his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt and his masters in moral theology, Jimmy has always enjoyed the cross section between faith, artistry, and entrepreneurship. Whether he's mentoring young people in virtue or interviewing award-winning artists in his studio, he loves nothing more than helping others fall in love with God.Connect with Jimmy and his book “Let Beauty Speak”: www.letbeautyspeak.comLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionIt says in James chapter 3 and I'm gonna paraphrase “If a man is able to control his tongue, he can control his whole life.” And in my conversation with OG Catholic podcaster Taylor Scholl, the theme woven throughout is how powerful the spoken word can be - both in a really funny story about one of his ‘worst' talks, but also in Preaching in general. And more to the point, which WORDS or WORD do we emphasize when we preach. And do we bring the most powerful WORD to bear every time we speak to Catholic audiences. His conviction in this area has stuck with me like a pebble in my shoe…ever since we talked! I hope it has the same impact for you!Taylor Schroll is the President of the evangelization and media ministry, Forte Catholic. He is a highly regarded speaker, worship leader, podcaster and producer. He has traveled the country the share the joy of the gospel through his speaking and worship leading for retreats, diocesan conferences and more. He hosts one of the top Catholic podcasts in the world and has helped over 20 other creators launch their podcasts to share the good news online. He lives in Bryan, Tx with his lovely wife Sam and their three children.Connect with Taylor: his website: fortecatholic.comLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionYour talks for Catholic audiences are too complicated, And mine are too!. Ha! Whether it's for teenagers, adults, or little kids we are packing way to much information into too tight spaces. So, as I've been asked to speak to Catholic Leaders about “How to Give a Good Talk”, I've developed four principles - CLEAR, COMPELLING, APPLICABLE and ACTIONABLE. These correspond to four questions every Catholic speaker should ask themselves as they are developing and delivering a talk: Is it Clear? Is it Compelling? Is it Applicable? and Is it Actionable? Today I am addressing Principle #1 - “Is it Clear”. And for that question, I've come up with an equation: SIMPLE + VISUAL = MEMORABLELinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionKatie Hartfiel is a ‘speakers speaker'. She was called to speak, has many years of experience, is a mentor to others *and* works really hard on each talk BEFORE she steps on stage. It was the combination of hours of PREPARATION *and* PRACTICE that I think sets Katie apart. Her process is inspiring and super practical…something for each of us to learn from and imitate. Katie Hartfiel received her theology degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and spent the following seven years serving as a youth minister in Houston. She now feels blessed to spend her days with her husband, Mark, and their four children, while still getting to travel to speak about Jesus. For more on Katie, her books, and your first chapters free, visit womaninlove.org.Connect with Katie: her website: womaninlove.orgAnd “She Shall Be Called Woman” - for more info: https://paradisusdei.org/she-registration-opens/LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionJim Beckman has seen it all. From being a part of the onset of Steubenville Conferences spreading nationally to ministering to Columbine High School students in the wake that tragedy to launching Y Disciple and so much more…he truly has had a generational impact on the Catholic Church in America. But that “impact” has a cost too…and we dig in to the mark that lifelong ministry can have - and the need for new ways of supporting people giving their lives to serve the Church. Jim Beckman serves as the Executive Director of ImpactCenter, a Catholic apostolate dedicated to ministering to ministry leaders in the Church. He is the former Executive Director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Jim has been involved with Diocesan and parish ministry, evangelization and leadership development for many years. A graduate of Franciscan University and the Augustine Institute, Jim has served in various roles of leadership for national, regional and local ministry. He is a dynamic and passionate speaker and has a great love for the Catholic Church. He has built solid and thriving ministry programs in numerous parishes and Dioceses over the years. He and his wife, Meg, live in Littleton, CO with their five children.Connect with Jim: At the Impact Center website: https://impactcenter.com/LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionToday's episode is a new kind of episode. I plan during Season 3 to add Article Reviews and Book Discussions. Today is a solo episode where I share my three main takeaways from an article by Christian Smith, Sociologist at University of Notre Dame, on “Improving Catholic Homilies”. Here's a link to the Article: Improving Catholic Homilies, Part 2: Less Moralism, More GospelLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionWhen it comes to speaking to Catholic audiences where does one BEGIN when preparing a talk? Where do you begin? I know too often I begin with: “have I given a talk on this topic before?” or “whats inspiring me lately?”. Again, nothing wrong with either of these, but are either of these the most important place to start? Well my guest today has some convictions around this question, and you've got to stick around to hear all about it. Chika Anyanwu is a Catholic evangelist, former Confirmation coordinator/youth & young adult minister, and the author of "My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer" Her love of God and neighbor enthuses her to share the gospel through testimony, scripture, and honest conversations about the difficult realities of faith and life. She's had the opportunity to evangelize at NCYC, Given, Steubenville youth conferences, FOCUS SEEK conferences, and The Catholic Feminist France pilgrimage. She's also a contributor to Blessed Is She as well as “Connected” and “Venture: the Bible Timeline” by Ascension Press. Chika is a part of a beautiful Nigerian family, loves her coffee black, and desires sainthood for herself and you, although bad drivers challenge her sanctity! Connect with Chika: At her website: www.chika.churchOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chikasworld?igsh=ZndkMXRycW9odWZoLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionA powerful theme emerged throughout this conversation which was “how do you know when to pivot” from what's been planned. AND HOW EXACTLY do you do it? This is one of the hardest skills to master for people new to giving talks in Catholic settings…and there are no hard/fast rules. In each instance…there is a judgment call made, sometimes in just a few seconds to STAY the COURSE or to PIVOT. Brian Greenfield and I dig deep into this question. As you'll see, it takes a whole lot of prayer, preparation, and humility to be confident in making a bold move in the middle of a talk - to go a different direction. Stick around..this is a good one. Brian Greenfield was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and attended Seton Hall University and then attended Franciscan University of Steubenville. Brian later returned to Seton Hall to finish his studies in theology, receiving his MA in theology and another master's degree in education leadership. Brian currently lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Genevieve, and three beautiful children. In addition to giving talks around the country at conferences large and small He serves at Jesuit High School, where he is the assistant principal for Discipline.Connect with Brian's speaking page here - https://willingevents.com/?profile=brian-greenfieldAnd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mission116/?hl=enAnd X: https://x.com/mission116LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionToday is episode 71, Quick Reactions from the Eucharistic Congress with Ennie Hickman. So I was on the prowl from the moment I landed in Indianapolis until this morning, that was like 10 days ago, I was dead set on connecting with my guest today, my first ever guest on the podcast, any Hickman. And so I brought my stuff to Indianapolis, but that didn't work out to connect up our schedules were.Wild and we didn't even see each other until the last night at about 11 PM. Um, so then we said, Hey, maybe we'll jump on the phone tomorrow. Can we record a podcast on a phone? Neither of us knew I found out that wasn't going to work very well. And so, and he's like, well, Hey, I'm going to Guatemala, uh, for the pilgrimage to beauty.I'm like, that sounds amazing. He's like, but I'm not sure about the wifi. I'm like, well, that doesn't sound amazing. But anyway, we figured it out. We made it, there's no YouTube today. But, uh, Annie and I, after like five or six takes and some internet crashes and all of that, , we have cobbled together a great conversation. And I've titled it quick reactions from the Eucharistic Congress, because it's just the quick reactions. There's nothing definitive here. In fact, I even love Annie's approach to this, this is way too early to begin to assess. And man, I, that's such good . Pushback because I am such a guy trying to analyze in the moment what's going on and what is it all gonna mean.Maybe that's how you feel too, this was a landmark moment in the church, and I think it's gonna be one of those things that we look back at over many years and count it as. a turning point of sorts, uh, for the church as well in America. So love to hear your thoughts, love to connect on Instagram at Better Preach.Please reach out to me at my website, ryanohara.org/BetterPreach. If you have any ideas or thoughts about the Congress, I'd love to hear what was your take. LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionThis has come up over and over again. You know, talking with people who experience a call and a desire to do more speaking in Catholic settings, either because it's part of their job in ministry with young people or their directors of faith formation, or their priests or deacons or whatever it might be.But there's also this idea that what if additionally there may be other talks that I might be able to give in particular settings locally, nationally, regionally, again, whatever that might be. And how do I get started? This comes up all of the time. And in fact, it's something that we talk about quite a bit here on the podcast. And so today I want to share some wisdom that I've learned along the way. This has been a 20 to 25 year journey for me. And just now, let's say like. After 25 years or so, I finally gone pro, like this is my job, podcasting, speaking, all that stuff. And, and so I have a little bit of experience to share about that.I'd love to talk about my own experience, but I'm also really trying to bring the wisdom that I've encountered from the podcast around this question.LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionWith every new generation, evangelists, preachers and teachers MUST ADAPT if we hope that this new generation will HEAR THE GOOD NEWS and wholeheartedly RESPOND to it's promises. This week I sit down with someone who is serving, teaching, and preaching on the front lines at one of reaching Gen-Z.Dr. Andrew Swafford is professor of theology at Benedictine College, where he teaches courses on Scripture, St. John Paul II, and the moral and spiritual life. Among his publications are his most recent, Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships, AND A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament, What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, and Spiritual Survival in the Modern World: Insights from C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters. He is an avid student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lives with his wife Sarah and their six children in Atchison, KS.+ Check out Dr. Swafford's WebsiteLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionThis week's episode is a dream come true. From the first time I pressed record on the podcast till now, I have hoped to support everyday people working in the Church with giving talks - YMs, DREs, Deacons, Campus Ministers, etc.. And it's happened! Today is proof positive. Not long after I started this Podcast, my guest today Nick Longo reached out to share his appreciation for the show and the growth in giving Catholic talks that he was seeing in his ministry. And a few months back he said “I'd love to come on the show and talk about the impact it's had on me!” And I was like - “heck yeah, let's do it.” It was a fantastic conversation - in large part because of how honest and real Nick was about his growth as a speaker and digging in to what was really holding him back. I bet you'll relate. Born and raised in Central New York, Nick is a proud husband and father of three. By day, he is a director of evangelization and youth ministry in the Diocese of Syracuse, NY, and by night he is a Catholic speaker, podcaster, and writer. Listen to Nick's podcast, This Catholic Life and follow on social @nickjameslongo.He and his wife are also the founders of “Sent Parish”, a Catholic non-profit aimed at equipping Catholic leaders to make disciples. In fact, if you want to download his free e-book “Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins of Parish Evangelization”, a link will be included in the show notes. Social Handle: @nickjameslongoSent Parish Website: sentparish.comDownload the FREE E-Book: “Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins of Parish Evangelization”LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionToday is a special episode, because in the last year, about 12 months to be exact I took the biggest leap of faith of my life. It all came to pass at a four-day silent retreat last summer where Jesus invited me to “feed his sheep”, to leave SPO and the comfort of a steady paycheck, and GO full-time, preaching and teaching. Here were the words that I believe Jesus spoke to me that put the final nail in the coffin, of my discernment. “If you love me and for only as long as you love me, and only because you love me, feed my sheep and tend my lambs.” Of course this was an invitation to two things, first primarily, was to be in close intimate relationship with JESUS, and then (and only then) would I be able to ‘feed and tend'; to speak, teach, and preach. But it wasn't just a call “preach and teach” from a microphone, it was a call to care deeply for people in poverty, to literally feed the hungry, and tend to their very practical needs. So today, I talk again with my good friend Connor all about it. Please note: We recorded this episode last December so if any of the time references seem off - that's why!Connect with Ryan's Speaking page here - ryanohara.org/catholictalksLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionBarbara Heil is a former Protestant Pastor and Minister who is celebrating her 10th year in the Roman Catholic Church. Barbara speaks nationally and around the world, sharing her passion for the Gospel, and inviting others to encounter God in a deeper way.God wants to speak HIS MESSAGE through you. Has that sunk in?? That this isn't my message, your message, but God's message. We go DEEP into this IDEA today on the podcast…WHY we must focus on God's word and what God wants to say and how to cultivate this conviction and practice in everyday life - for the sake of the people God will lead you to speak to. And before we start, be sure to stop by and say hi on Instagram at @betterpreach. I'd love to connect!Connect with Barbara at her website and through Encounter Ministries. LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

DescriptionFr. Alex Colautti is the vocations director for the Companions of the Cross, a religious community of charismatic Catholic priests. He is a co-author of Preaching on Purpose: A Divine Renovation Handbook for Communicating the Gospel Today. Fr Alex lives to see people come into a life-transforming encounter with Jesus in the Power of the Holy Spirit.And today we…dig into his book and two BIG IDEAS around HOMILIES…- One church, one message- Preaching as a TeamAnd before we start, be sure to stop by and say hi on Instagram at @betterpreach. I'd love to connect!Connect with Fr. Alex at Companions of the Cross website, on Instagram @fralexcc and Divine Renovation websiteLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionI'll be back w in a few weeks time, BUT in the meantime I wanted to share, for the next couple of weeks, some of my favorite interviews from early in Season 1. Last week I re-shared my interview with Sarah Kaczmarek, today I want to share my convo w Dan DeMatte - one of the founders of Damascus and it's Executive Director of Missions and Advancement. ++If you are speaking to Catholic audiences you don't want to just to pass on correct information, you want to make a deep impact. But how exactly do you do that? And are you willing to stay humble and attentive enough to hear the Holy Spirit, over months, maybe even years to allow a specific message - for the Church - to emerge in your life? Well, this was the transformational idea that I talked with Dan DeMatte about today. From his very first talk to his fellow 8th graders to co-founding one of the fastest growing youth and young adult ministry movements in the country, Damascus, he has been a steward of powerful messages for thousands each year. He is the author of Catholic bestseller, Holiness Revolution, with the Dynamic Catholic Institute. And recently released a new book called Dream Bigger! He is the co-host of Beyond Damascus, a podcast and radio program carried across the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network And he lives in Ohio with his wife, Amber, and their four children.Link to Theme Song for the first retreat he lead as an 8th grader, Michael W. Smith's “My Place in this World.”Here's the link to the talk called “Dream Bigger” that we discussed: Dream Bigger by Dan DeMatteA link to Damascus MinistryLinks:For more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join Ryan's email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionThis is a bonus replay of my original conversation, back in Summer of 2022, with Sarah Kaczmarek. I'll be back in a couple of weeks with new episodes for Season 3. In the meantime, enjoy this powerful conversation with one of the best in the business!1. How crucial is it that the message you are sharing into a microphone matches up with who you are without a microphone? 2. What are the challenges and superpowers for Catholic speakers who are introverts? 3. Is it possible to redeem procrastination once and for all? In my conversation with Sarah Kaczmarek, we cover each of these questions and more!Sarah has served in ministry for the last 18 years and strongly desires to see all of God's children walk in wholeness and holiness. She is currently the Director of Pastoral Ministry at Encounter Ministries. Sarah holds an MA in Counseling and is currently completing a certificate in Spiritual Direction. She loves teaching and speaking about the heart of the Father, the wholeness He desires for us, and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives.Here's the link to her “Power and Purpose Talk” at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Click here to get Sarah's Speaking Notes for the “Power and Purpose Talk” above. Links:For more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join Ryan's email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionIn this week's episode I sit down, again, with trusty occasional co-host, Connor Flanagan, to discuss the how, why, and how to get better at using vulnerability in talks, particularly through storytelling- Download PDF Overview of Episode 64: Vulnerability through Storytelling- Link to “Matt Regitz” episode on Better Preach- Link to “Craig Groeschel” episode on this leadership podcast. - Here's a link to the 2023 Better Preach survey!LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionWhat is the interplay, in Catholic preaching and teaching, between the natural gifts of communication and charisma and God's supernatural power moving through the speaker and audience. How do these things complement (or cancel out) the other? In my far-reaching and fascinating conversation with Deacon Keith Strohm, we jump right into what makes for good and bad homilies, how he prepares for preaching at the Liturgy, and the role of the Spirit and Spiritual Warfare in teaching and preaching. Deacon Keith Strohm is the former Director of the Office for the New Evangelization and a deacon for the Archdiocese of Chicago. A well-known international and conference keynote speaker, he has helped tens of thousands of men and women hear the Gospel message and encounter the mercy, love and power of Jesus ChristHe has extensive experience in creating and sustaining processes and programs of evangelization and formation at the group, parish and diocesan level that focus on the making, maturation and missioning of disciples of Jesus Christ. He is the Executive Director of M3 Ministries and a long-time teacher and collaborator with the Catherine of Siena Institute.As I mentioned last week, I'm looking for your input about the podcast and have created a simple 10 question survey. I promise it won't take longer than ten minutes. It's been super helpful to read the responses so far - check out the link in the show notes. I'd be so grateful to hear from you!Survey!!Here's a link to the survey!Connect with Deacon Keithon Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Or via email. LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionThe way that you improve is to get feedback and to ask people for their input. So often, those of us who are, are speaking or leading, we have just one perspective. It's helpful but I know that I can't see everything that needs to be seen about this podcast. Your perspective is invaluable.As we prepare for season three, I've put together a very simple listener survey. I'm talking 10 questions, 10 minutes max. Could even be quicker than that. Click the link below!Here's a link to the survey!If you fill it out *AND* would like to do a free 1:1 Coaching Session, check that box (and add your email) on the form!LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionWe love to overcomplicate things. Let me restate that. I love to over complicate things. More of a really good thing - like preaching the Gospel - has to be better right?!? Not always. In my conversation today with Pete Burds he shares how his approach to giving Catholic talks has shifted and developed over the years. And what he chooses to prioritize in a 30 min talk might surprise you. It did me. And I'm the better for it! And ironically, my first title for this podcast was super complicated - my longest one ever. And then I thought, I'm doing it again, so I actually put Pete's advice into practice. You're welcome! Ever since encountering Jesus Christ through a high school youth ministry program, Pete Burds has used his five loaves and two fish for the sake of building the kingdom. Through storytelling, leading retreats, and years of experience in youth and young adult ministry, he has proclaimed the freedom found in Jesus Christ to thousands. Pete currently serves as the Vice President of Mission for NET Ministries. He and his family live in St. Paul, MN.Connect with Pete at NET Ministries website - netusa.orgLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionEvery talk that I give, I want to make sure that there are three things that are really easy for the audience. I want to make sure that the talk is easy to follow. Easy to remember and thus easy to apply. And while there are a number of factors that go into this, and this podcast is dedicated to the many and varied ways to do all three of these things, there's no magic bullet. And while there's no magic bullet, I'm convinced that I found, and I'm love to hear your experience too, like a super sneaky back way to help get closer to all three of these things, to make a talk easier to follow, easier to remember, and easier to apply. And that super sneaky back way is a well crafted handout that accompanies the talks that I give.Okay, so as I've been doing lately I put together a “Handout” for this episode, but today is a special day, because i've created it not as a finished product/ overview of the Episode, but just like a Handout I'd make for a talk, ample white space, 2 pages, fill-in-the-blanks and all. So, if you want to see an example of what I talk about in this episode and follow along, filling in the blanks, as you go, check the show notes - you can download it there!Download PDF Handout of Episode 61: Why You Should Use a Handout for Your Next Talk LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionI can't tell you how many things I've learned how to do by watching video tutorials on YouTube, just for this podcast alone..but it doesn't stop there - plumbing, drywall, auto repair - you name it! YouTube is incredible because any one of these ‘how to' videos combine all three styles of learning. You can see and hear and learn exactly the steps you need to take to find a broken piece of glass that might be causing your dishwasher to not drain all the way.. And one of my favorite models of how to deliver great Catholic talks comes from a video library too! YDisciple. And in my fascinating conversation with their National Director, Annie Grandell, we dig into a wide range of topics and then land on what I'd call the seven marks of a great Catholic talk. After serving with NET Ministries and graduating from the University of St Thomas with a degree in Catholic Studies, Annie Grandell served as a Parish Youth Minister, for over a decade, for a cluster of 3 parishes in the greater Twin Cities metro area. With a heart for reaching souls with the gospel and teaching the truth of the Catholic faith, she continues to serve the Church as the Director of Y Disciple, a national Catholic leader in training adults to lead small groups of young people that make disciples. + Here's the link to YDisciple where Annie serves as Director.LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionI want to give you simple and practical tips to ensure, every time you speak to Catholic audiences, that you absolutely have something to say; something worth listening to and acting on. In this episode I will share four things that need to be true of the words you use when you speak about the Catholic faith. Download PDF Overview of Episode 59: How to Have Something to SayLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionGod's Approval, Human Applause, Abundant Affirmation. I'd be lying if I said these three things DIDN'T factor in deeply to my motivation and experience as a Catholic Speaker over the years. You want to do an excellent job, that brings God honor, meets the expectations of your boss or whoever has hired you, and you want it to be received well by everybody listening. But is that approval, applause, affirmation, solid ground to stand as the motivation and criteria for succuss for people called to preach and teach the Gospel? No, it's not. And today in my conversation with Brad Pierron we go right at this question. And his view and perspective on it was as well articulated as I've ever come across. His outlook on this will comfort *and* convict! So look out my friends, we've got a hot one today!Brad Pierron is the Missionary Program Director at Damascus in Centerburg, OH, where he has served since its inception seven year ago. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in business administration through Franciscan University of Steubenville. In addition to his service with Damascus, Brad serves as a co-host for Beyond Damascus – a national Catholic radio show and podcast, and he speaks to thousands every year. As a missionary formator, he is passionate about bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to life in the Church today, and as a product of Southern Ohio, his ideal day would include a sporting event, a truck bed, and a large glass of sweet tea. He and his lovely wife, Nina, were married in August of 2020, are expecting their first child in January, and currently reside in Lewis Center, OH.Here's the link to Damascus where Brad serves, leads, and teaches.Here's a link to the Beyond Damascus Podcast LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

Description“Always be ready to give a reason for your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone remind me of this passage, I'd be well really rich, but if I had to pay back every dollar for every time someone explained to me an ‘easy way to always be ready', well I'd still be rich. :) This is one of those verses that Catholic speakers, priests, Catechists like to throw around WITHOUT also equipping us to make it a reality in our lives. Well today is that day, my friends! I want to give you a simple, memorable way to share with others the reason for the hope you have in Christ. Certainly there are theological and catechetical reasons for that hope, right?, but that often opens things up for debate or disagreement. Which is fine and there's a time and a place for that But one thing no one can debate, assuming you are being honest, is the simple story of God's work in your life boiled down into ONE SENTENCE. That's the goal and in this episode I want to propose an exercise that will help you and others develop ONE-SENTENCE TESTIMONIES. Download PDF Overview of Episode 57: How and Why to Write a One-Sentence TestimonyLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionIf we aren't teaching and preaching the gospel to change lives then what in the world are we doing? Right? But heres the thing, no one would likely suggest any other goal, but at the same time, also not know how to teach and preach in such a way that actually leads to life change. Don't get me wrong, it's not easy, and just saying that's what you are doing doesn't make it so, In my conversation today with Michael Gormley, aka Gomer, we set our sights on this very thing - how do we actually teach and preach so as to help people, who want to, change their lives. This conversation was a blast and as we get rolling we jump into the nitty gritty of exactly how this happens. Also, a big shout of thanks to Gomer and Ascension who generously offered to also release this interview on one of his podcasts, Every Knee Shall Bow. It'll be a bonus episode in that feed this week. Super cool! I'm so grateful. And to that end if you aren't listening to Every Knee Shall Bow, what are you doing? For a long time now I think that show has been the pre-eminent place in the podcasting space to discuss everything related to evangelization and catechesis in the Church. Check it out if you aren't already following!Michael Gormley has been leading evangelization and ministry efforts for the past 17 years, both as a full-time parish staff member and as a speaker and consultant for parishes, dioceses, and Catholic campus ministries. He has his Undergraduate Degrees in both Philosophy and Theology, and a Masters in Theology and Christian Ministry, from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He currently serves as the Mission Evangelist for Paradisus Dei, a ministry dedicated to helping men, couples, and families discover the superabundance of God. Michael is also the founder and creative director of LayEvangelist.com, the co-host to two successful Catholic podcasts: Catching Foxes and Every Knee Shall Bow. He is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon, and they have 4 amazing children and get about 3 hours of sleep a night, which is alright by him.Here's a link to Gomer's Website, Lay Evangelist:And to his two podcasts: “Every Knee Shall Bow” and “Catching Foxes”And to his Soundcloud account where he keeps all of his talks. Check it out!LinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionI love checklists and systems; doing it once, writing it down and then putting the plan on repeat. Why keep reinventing the wheel? When the routine needs tweaking, make the edit, update it, and put it back on repeat.This is especially true for me “Day of” for the talks that I give. I have routines and checklists I follow BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER a talk. Again, this is just my routine. What I hope is that it inspires you to make your own! What do you need “Day of”, at the venue and so on, as a speaker, to be most effective? Be intentional. Decide. The consistency and the extra brain space will pay off!I'm joined again today by the best occasional co-host I know, Connor Flanagan as we run through the BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER routine for every talk I give. Hope it blesses you and inspires you to nail down Your Routine!And if you want to follow along as you listen or review afterwards there's a PDF download linked in the Show Notes that summarizes what we talked about. Check it out!Link to “Presentation Timer” in iOS App StoreDownload PDF Overview of Episode 55: My “Day of” Routine for a TalkLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionGiving a great Catholic talk is hard to do. It takes a lot of practice, grace, life experience, confidence, and knowledge to pull it off. Now try ratcheting up the degree of difficulty a few notches by also addressing difficult and thorny topics, especially hot-button issues today around sexuality, gender, and marriage. This is a tall task for anyone. But every once in a while you hear someone speak on difficult topics and they make it look effortless, almost easy, while also packing a punch. How do they do it? My guest today, Sarah Swafford is one such speaker. With deep conviction, boundless energy, and a love for the people she is speaking to, Sarah is the perfect guest to help us learn how to give talks on the most difficult of topics. Sarah Swafford is the founder of Emotional Virtue Ministries. She speaks internationally on a variety of topics including faith, relationships, and interior confidence. Engaging audiences of all ages, Sarah shares her message at school assemblies, retreats, rallies, parishes, and conferences around the world including FOCUS and Steubenville Conferences in the United States and Canada.Sarah is a well-known author on dating and relationships and is cohost of an EWTN series on the same topic. She is also a contributor to Chosen, Ascension's Confirmation program, and a co-presenter in What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith, together with her husband, Dr. Andrew Swafford, and Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio. Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford recently wrote Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships.Sarah resides in Atchison, Kansas with her wonderful husband and their children: Thomas, Fulton, Cate, Kolbe, John Paul, and Avila Faustina.Check out Sarah's WebsiteHere is a link to Sarah's talk at SEEK 2023And the link to buy Sarah's new book: Gift and GritLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.

DescriptionIf you've been listening to the Better Preach Podcast, even for just a few episodes, you know that one of my favorite questions to ask is: What is your process for preparing a talk? This one question, actually, is what drove me to start the podcast and to keep going. I thought - I'd love to know what different speakers do, behind the scenes, to bring great talks to life. So, I thought, I'd love to share my process too - again with the help of my favorite trusty occasional co-host, Connor Flanagan. In this episode we do a deep dive into “my six steps for writing a talk.”Download PDF Overview of Episode 53: My Six Steps for Writing a TalkTake a peek at Sample Handwritten Notes from iPad and/or a sample of an Outline or Handout - Dating, It's Complicated_OLLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel. Better Preach is a proud member of Spoke Street, a Catholic Podcast Network that amplifies the voice of the Creator through fostering content that invites. Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook Join the Better Preach email list. I made this podcast with help from Riverside FM. Want to try it out for your podcast? Here's a link to get you started.